Award-Winning Filmaker Charles Burnett Kicks Off Black History Month

January 31, 2008

The University of Houston has invited to campus renowned writers, activists and filmmakers who will commemorate the contributions made by African Americans in recognition of Black History Month. The events are sponsored by the African American Studies Program, the Council of Ethnic Organizations and the Urban Experience Program at UH.

Kicking off the campus celebration is Charles Burnett, considered to be one of the nation’s greatest African-American filmmakers. He will discuss “Killer of Sheep,” which has been nationally preserved as a landmark in black cinema, and his other films at noon, Feb. 1 in Agnes Arnold Hall, Room 633.

On Feb. 5, Linda James Myers, author of “Understanding an Afrocentric World View: Introduction to an Optimal Psychology,” will talk about her ideas of African deep thought at 10 a.m. in Agnes Arnold Hall, Room 628.

Twenty-five-year-old M.K. Asante Jr., a man the Philadelphia Inquirer called “A rare, remarkable talent who brings to mind the great artists of the Harlem Renaissance,” will give a lecture/screening titled, “Artivism, By Any Medium Necessary” at 4 p.m., Feb. 25 in the Rockwell Pavilion.

The Urban Experience Program (UEP) will observe Black History Month with the Houston premiere of the award-winning documentary “Prince Among Slaves” at 6 p.m., Feb. 2 at the Cullen Performance Hall. The documentary tells the inspiring story of Abdul-Rahman Ibrahima Sori, a West African prince who was captured in 1788 and sold into slavery in the South.

Tickets are free, but donations will be accepted. A portion of the proceeds will help fund scholarships at UEP, an initiative that addresses the needs of underrepresented students.

Black History Month was the brainchild of Carter G. Woodson, the son of former slaves. Woodson, who earned a doctorate from Harvard University, established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915. A year later, he created the “Journal of Negro History.” In 1926, he launched Negro History Week to bring national attention to the historic contributions of blacks throughout American history.

Feb. 27
History of Gospel and Wellness Day
Time and location TBD
Adult Panel Discussion: “Is Being Black Wrong Today?--In
What Capacity has Racism Against Blacks Improved or Worsened?”
Time and location TBD

Feb. 28
Black Tie Event—Tentative
Time and location TBD

Feb. 29
Community service event with St. John's United Methodist
Church and city of Houston Park clean-up (park to be determined)
Time and location TBD
For more information on these events, call
713-743-5190.